DETROIT, MI, March 7, 2018 — The Long Products Market Development Group (LPMDG) of the Steel Market Development Institute (SMDI), announced today the addition of bar steel products to its 2016 Steel Industry Technology Roadmap for Automotive. This section of the technology roadmap specifically explores bar steel technologies in powertrain, steering and suspension systems to understand the industry's current challenges and opportunities for the future. It also outlines steel enabling technologies through metal forming, machining and thermal treatment.

"Components produced with bar products within a vehicle's powertrain, chassis and suspension are vital to the performance and long-term durability of a vehicle," said David Anderson, senior director, long products program for SMDI. "Today automakers are looking for effective ways to lightweight vehicles, improve powertrain efficiency and reduce parasitic losses. The bar products addition to the technology roadmap addresses technical issues challenging the automotive industry with efficient bar steel solutions."

The addition of bar products to the steel industry technology roadmap details the technical challenges and the ongoing research and development (R&D) occurring within the industry. This provides automakers with high value solutions while meeting lightweighting challenges and enhancing the performance of a vehicle.

View and download the bar products addition to the 2016 Steel Industry Technology Roadmap for Automotive, by visiting www.autosteel.org.

Through the support of the Steel Market Development Institute (SMDI), the Long Products Market Development Group (LPMDG) strives to grow the market for value-added steel bar and rod products. Formed in 1997, the LPMDG is committed to developing innovative solutions to the challenges facing their clients in ground vehicle, construction and other broad-based markets. LPMDG members include: Gerdau; Nucor Corporation; and TimkenSteel.